what course to take aftrer ap physics c

You can take other AP classes along with AP Physics C: Mechanics. To be successful, you should go into the course after already taking AP Calculus AB ♾️ as a prerequisite. AP Physics C: Mechanics will be your hardest AP course and should not be taken with any other of the AP sciences (except E & M).

Full Answer

What do you learn in AP Physics C?

Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study and activities as well as hands-on laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation. Laboratory experience must be part of the education of AP Physics C students and should be included in all AP Physics courses.

What are the prerequisites for AP Physics 1?

While there technically aren't prerequisites for AP Physics 1, the AP program recommends that students have at least taken geometry and are concurrently enrolled in Algebra II while taking this course. If you're not that far along in math yet, consider taking a different science class until you're caught up, as math is very important in physics.

Does AP Physics C still exist?

The AP program still offers AP Physics C, which is broken into two courses and exams: Physics C: Mechanics and Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. Many schools teach these as the same class, or just teach one topic. Both of these courses are calculus-based.

What do you take after AP Physics C?

If PhysicsA is fundamental mechanics, and PhysicsB is E & M, and PhysicsC is "Modern Physics"; then AFTER Physics C, in many colleges and universities could be Thermodynamics. One of the university sites is indicating after "Modern Physics", that Mathematical Methods and Computational Physics come next.

Is it worth it to take AP Physics C?

Advanced Placement recommends that students who plan to major in engineering or physics in college should study AP Physics C (along with Calculus AB or BC). However, it is not necessary to take all AP physics courses, because you will not have enough time in school to study biology and chemistry as well.

Is Physics C harder than AP Chem?

In terms of content, Physics C is definitely harder than Chemistry.

Is Physics C AP hard?

AP Physics C – Electricity & Magnetism (E&M) is rated as the hardest AP test by real AP class alumnae, with an average difficulty rating of 7.9 / 10 (10 = hardest). Those who stay the course often score well, though, with a 2021 pass rate of 70%.

Does AP Physics C look good for college?

AP recommends Physics C (along with AP Calculus AB or Calculus BC) for students aiming for engineering or physical science majors in college. However, taking AP Physics 1, Physics 2, and Physics C might be overkill—you would lose time taking other science courses, like biology and chemistry.

Should I take AP Physics C: Mechanics or electricity and magnetism?

It is strongly recommended that AP Physics C: Mechanics & AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism be taught as a second-year physics course. 3. Through each of these courses, you can major in Aerospace engineering, Astronomy, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, and other courses.

How hard is it to get a 5 on AP Physics C?

More than one-third of the students who took the exam in 2019 scored a 5 AND it's only half as long as the Physics 1 and Physics 2 exams. Don't be fooled! This is one tough AP exam. If you want to get a 5 on the AP Physics C Mechanics exam, you're going to need our tips…and some high-quality calculus.

What is the hardest AP course?

The Three Hardest AP ClassesAP Physics 1. Despite a reputation as one of the most difficult AP classes, Physics 1 is also one of the most popular—137,229 students took it in 2021. ... AP U.S. History. AP U.S. history is one of the hardest AP classes in the humanities and in general. ... AP Chemistry.

What percent is a 5 on AP Physics C: Mechanics?

The score distribution tables on this page show the percentages of 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s for each AP subject....AP Score Distributions.ExamAP Physics C: Mechanics523.5%428.6%321.3%214.9%6 more columns

Is AP Physics C E&M harder than mechanics?

AP Physics C: Mechanics will be your hardest AP course and should not be taken with any other of the AP sciences (except E & M).

Does AP Physics C require calculus?

AP Physics C requires calculus, with topics in AP Physics C: Mechanics using derivatives and integrals from single variable calculus (such as AP Calculus AB or BC). AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism uses many concepts that are taught in a multivariable calculus course.

What is a 5 on AP Physics C?

What is a good AP® Physics C: Mechanics score? Earning a 3, 4, or 5 is generally accepted as scoring well on an AP® exam. As reported by the College Board, a 3 is 'qualified,' a 4 'well qualified,' and a 5 'extremely well qualified.

What is AP Physics C?

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering.

What is the role of AP?

Higher education professionals play a key role developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education site features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.

Do you need to take AP Physics C to get lab experience?

Laboratory experience must be part of the education of AP Physics C students and should be included in all AP Physics courses. Colleges may require students to present their laboratory materials from AP science courses before granting college credit for laboratory, so students are encouraged to retain their laboratory notebooks, reports, and other materials.

What are the AP Physics 1 and 2 courses?

The new AP Physics 1 and 2 courses are both algebra-based courses , meaning no knowledge of calculus is required, though students should be comfortable with basic algebra and trigonometry. The exams for these courses were first offered in May of 2015, so the courses and the exams are still evolving through their infancy. Further, the AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 courses include a strong emphasis on conceptual understanding and critical thinking. Compared to traditional physics courses, these courses include a significant amount of reading and structured writing, experimental design, and critical thinking.

What is AP Physics 1?

The AP Physics 1 course itself is designed as a first-year physics course. The bulk of the course centers around traditional Newtonian Mechanics, beginning with the study of motion (kinematics), forces (dynamics), work, energy, power, linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, gravity, and oscillations. In addition, AP Physics 1 also includes a brief introduction to mechanical waves, basic electrostatics, and simple electrical circuits.

Is AP Physics C a year long course?

For those taking physics for the first time, AP Physics C: Mechanics is a reasonable year-long endeavor. Some schools with extended class times offer both AP–1 and AP–2 in the same year, though this is a very aggressive undertaking.

Is physics a pre-requisite for AP Physics C?

The two AP Physics C courses both incorporate calculus, so students should have calculus as a pre-requisite or co-requisite for the best possible experience. AP Physics C: Mechanics can be offered as a first-year physics course, though some schools offer both AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism in the same year to students who have prior physics courses in their background.

What is the best AP physics class?

Physics 2 is the best AP Physics class to take after a regular or honors physics class (Physics 1 would pretty much just repeat what you already learned). AP Physics C is also an option if you're taking/have already taken calculus and have either Physics 1 or Physics 2 under your belt.

How many AP Physics exams are there?

Both of these courses are calculus-based. This means that there are now four AP Physics exams: AP Physics 1. AP Physics 2. AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. AP Physics C: Mechanics. The fact that there are now four AP Physics exams can be confusing.

What is AP Physics 1?

AP Physics 1. AP Physics 1 is an introductory, algebra-based, college-level physics course. It explores fundamental physics concepts like motion, force, Newtonian mechanics, gravity, energy, and momentum . AP Physics 1 was designed to be a first-year physics course which you can take without prior physics experience.

What if your school doesn't offer physics?

If your school doesn't offer Physics C, take AP Physics 2 or honors physics if you can. Taking AP Physics 1 and Physics 2 is plenty if you aren't going to study natural sciences or engineering since you want to make room for other AP classes in your schedule.

Is AP Physics C calculus?

Both AP Physics C courses are calculus-based, meaning you should have already taken calculus or concurrently be taking calculus while you take either AP Physics C course. This is the main factor that makes Physics C more challenging than Physics 1 and Physics 2. Additionally, AP Physics C requires that students are enrolled or have already taken ...

Do you have to take physics before AP Physics C?

So while you don't have to take Physics 1 or Physics 2 before you take Physics C, taking one (or both!) introductory physics courses is recommended. You can read a full description of Physics C at the AP website.

Is Physics C harder than Physics 2?

Notice there is some overlap with the Physics 2 curriculum, though again, Physics C will be more difficult since it incorpora tes calculus. The two topics are sometimes taught as the same course even though there are two different exams, with each topic being taught over one semester.

Comparing AP Physics 1 and 2 With AP Physics C

AP Physics 1, 2, and AP Physics C cover many of the same concepts but at varying levels of complexity. They can all be seen as introductory Physics courses, but since physics is an all-encompassing topic, they each cover slightly different aspects of the same subject.

Choosing the Right AP Physics Course

As with enrolling in any course, there is no “right” choice, as the selection will depend on students and their ultimate goals.

Conclusion

The College Board offers high school students three AP Physics courses:

Key Differences

One key difference between the AP Physics 1+2 sequence and AP Physics C is the mathematical background. AP Physics 1+2 are algebra based, requiring only knowledge in Algebra II or Precalculus .

Which course and exam should you take?

Students who are planning on pursuing physics, math, or engineering in college should try to take the AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism AP exams in high school. These courses are equivalent to the first and/or second physics courses offered in college to STEM majors.

How to Prepare

Students preparing for an AP exam should take an accompanying AP course to prepare for the exam.

How Difficult is AP Physics C: Mechanics?

AP Physics C: Mechanics is the first of the two AP Physics C courses and deals exclusively with Newtonian mechanics 🍎 Much of the work deals with the motion of various objects and will take the form of long word problems.

How Difficult is AP Physics C: E & M?

AP Physics C: E & M is the second of the two AP Physics C courses and deals with electricity, magnetism, and the relationship between the two, called electromagnetic induction ⚡ Many problems will explore the concept of field forces (forces that don't necessarily have to touch the object) and will ask you to derive a formula when given a specific scenario.💡 The multiple-choice assignments will be more conceptual than with Mechanics..

Are AP Physics C: Mechanics and E & M Worth Taking?

For many STEM majors, these two courses are prerequisites for many other courses, especially in engineering. Mechanics will be a prerequisite for many mechanical and civil engineering classes, such as statics and dynamics.

Final Thoughts

Yes, AP Physics C: Mechanics and E & M are two of the hardest courses offered in high school, but it's totally worth it! Remember, you're not alone in this—join a Fiveable course today to be part of an inclusive community. You got this 🎉

Mathematics AP Courses

Mathematics is at the core of the STEM discipline, so you’ll want to try and take as many AP math courses as you can.

Science AP Courses

Science is a vital part of the STEM field, so there are many AP courses you can take in your high school career. Learn about the scope of each subject so you can pick which ones will be most beneficial for your career.

Computer AP Courses

Computers are a vital piece of machinery for a normal life, so you’re already familiar with the basics. Taking AP computer courses will further your knowledge and streamline it for the STEM field.

Additional AP Courses

Taking AP courses outside your specialty will look good to college admissions. Plus you’ll be getting college credit, so you’ll be getting other classes off of your plate.

What is AP Physics 1?

AP Physics 1. The AP Physics 1 course is the equivalent of a first-semester, algebra-based college physics course. It is the most introductory of the AP Physics options and it covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion), work, energy, power, mechanical waves and sound, and introductory, simple circuits.

How many years of advanced physics study replaces Physics B?

This study formally recommended that “a two-year sequence of advanced physics study replace Physics B, enabling students to delve deeper into key physics concepts as they develop the reasoning and inquiry skills necessary to think like scientists.”.

How long is the Physics C mechanics test?

Length: 1.5 hrs, offered directly after the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam, though students are not required to take both. Section 1: 35 multiple choice questions, 45 minutes, 50% of your total score. Section 2: 3 short-answer questions, 45 minutes, 50% of your total score.

How many AP classes are there?

Currently, there are 38 AP class options, and counting. This means that there are plenty of choices for every interest, ranging from studio arts to foreign languages to science and engineering. Sometimes, though, the course options can seem a little confusing to someone who’s just beginning to explore them.

Do I need to take algebra 2 to get into AP Physics 1?

There are no formal prerequisites for AP Physics 1, but if you want to take it, you will need to have completed geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course to grasp the calculations required for the coursework.

Is AP Physics C a second year?

The College Board strongly recommends that AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism be taken as a second year physics course. Students should be prepared for college-level calculus-based work and must at minimum have taken or be concurrently taking calculus.

Algebra-Based Courses

Calculus-Based Courses

• The two AP Physics C courses both incorporate calculus, so students should have calculus as a pre-requisite or co-requisite for the best possible experience. AP Physics C: Mechanics can be offered as a first-year physics course, though some schools offer both AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism in the same year to st...

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